Is the PayPal Invoice Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a phishing scam that impersonates PayPal.

What should I do if I received the PayPal Invoice Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the PayPal Invoice Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the PayPal Invoice Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

PayPal Invoice Scam: Is It a Scam?

Very High Prevalence Type: Phishing Impersonates: PayPal

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers use PayPal's own invoicing system to send you a legitimate-looking invoice for a purchase you never made, often for hundreds of dollars. The invoice includes a phone number to call for 'cancellation,' which connects you to a scammer who steals your information.

How This Scam Works

The scammer creates a real PayPal invoice using a free PayPal business account, so the email actually comes from [email protected]. The invoice claims you authorized a large purchase, often from a crypto exchange or tech company. A note on the invoice says to call a phone number if you did not authorize the transaction. When you call, the scammer pretends to be PayPal support and asks you to install remote access software or provide your login credentials to 'reverse' the charge. They then drain your PayPal balance or linked bank account.

Red Flags to Watch For

Invoice for a product or service you never purchased
Unusually large dollar amount to create panic
Phone number in the invoice notes instead of directing you to PayPal's Help Center
Seller name is unfamiliar or uses a crypto/tech company name
Urgency language claiming you will be charged if you do not act

Example Scam Messages

From: [email protected] Subject: Invoice from CryptoExchange Pro (#INV-38291) You have received an invoice for $799.99 USD from CryptoExchange Pro. Note from seller: If you did not authorize this transaction, call our billing department immediately at (888) 555-0142 to cancel and receive a full refund. Failure to contact us within 24 hours will result in the charge being processed. --- From: [email protected] Subject: You have a money request for $499.99 BitShield Security has sent you a money request for $499.99 for Annual Protection Plan Renewal. If unauthorized, call 1-855-555-0198.

What to Do If You Received This

Do not call the phone number in the invoice
Do not pay the invoice
Log in to PayPal directly at paypal.com to check your account
Report the invoice as spam within PayPal
Delete the email

What to Do If You Fell For It

Change your PayPal password immediately
Uninstall any remote access software the scammer had you install (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.)
Contact PayPal's actual support at paypal.com/us/smarthelp/contact-us
Contact your bank if your bank account is linked to PayPal
Run a full antivirus scan on your computer
File a dispute for any unauthorized transactions through PayPal's Resolution Center

How to Report This Scam

Report the invoice within PayPal by clicking 'Report this invoice'
Forward phishing emails to [email protected]
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov

Last updated: February 10, 2026